Are you scared to death every time you step on a plane? There are things you can do to reduce your anxiety that don't involve Valium or a pitcher of Margaritas. Watch this video to learn how to cope with a fear of flying.

Step 1. Familiarize yourself with airplane safety

Familiarize yourself with airplane safety measures. Commercial airliners have more than one back-up system for every piece of equipment that could fail, and they receive 12 hours of maintenance on the ground for every hour spent in the air.

Step 2. Sit over the wing

Request a seat over the wing. The ride is smoothest and most quiet there.

Step 3. Bring diversions

Bring aboard as many diversions as you can think of—an engaging book, puzzles, good music, a stack of magazines, a variety of snacks, a DVD player. You want your mind so occupied that you won't notice every in-flight hiccup.

Step 4. Alert the flight attendant

Tell the flight attendant that you're a nervous flyer as soon as you board. He or she will take the time to reassure you about any odd sounds or sensations.

Step 5. Dismiss turbulence

Stop panicking that the plane is going down every time you hit a little bump.